Directors from Scotland on the UK Director of the Year Awards shortlist are:

The awards, which take place on 21 October at the Lancaster London Hotel, will recognise and celebrate some of the nation’s most impressive business leaders, with nominees coming from a range of industries, sectors and backgrounds. The high-calibre entrants have been recognised as the best in their field by the organisation for business leaders, the IoD, on the basis of having all made outstanding contributions in their fields.

David Hoey, chairman of IoD Glasgow, the ‘home’ branch of three of the nominees, said: “All the nominations are well deserved, and it’s wonderful to see Scotland’s directors well represented on a UK stage. Their leadership skills, drive, creativity, business achievements, and the way they have overcome challenges or led growth in their own organisations are an example to all current and aspiring directors.”

In addition to Scotland being well represented on the Awards stage, two of Scotland’s most distinguished directors have been assumed onto the Institute of Directors Council, in recognition of their commitment and past contribution to the organisation.

Appointed to the national Council are Ian McKay, founder of facilitation and mediation consultancy Otherhand Ltd and past Chair of IoD Scotland; and Dame Joan Stringer, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University.

David Watt, Executive Director of the IoD in Scotland, said: “Both our representation at the UK Director of the Year Awards and the national Council appointments, underline the breadth of Scotland’s leadership experience and how it is being applied at a local and national level. These are challenging times for the business community, and strong leadership is crucial to provide a steady hand through the uncharted waters ahead.”